Sekem Amphitheatre Canopy

The shade of a new canopy has brought to life an existing amphitheatre, built by a company to provide recreational and cultural opportunities for its employees. Summertime temperatures of up to 50°C, minimal rainfall and a relatively high risk of earthquakes were all factors influencing the design. Construction was undertaken by local workmen, using readily available materials: the membrane is 400 gsm Egyptian cotton with canvas binding, the columns are 'wrecked' oil pipeline tubes, and the wire tensile rope is of German origin. Reinforced concrete was used for the foundations.